Increasing public concern over the environmental impact of air, water and ground pollution provides job opportunities for pollution control technicians, who are also called environmental science and protection technicians. They work with environmental scientists to measure environmental degradation and develop solutions. For example, some technicians can assist hydrologists in cleaning up contaminated ground water.

Job

To ensure no environmental hazards exist, pollution control technicians inspect locations such as factories, public spaces and wilderness areas. They collect air, water and ground samples, then run tests on the samples, often under the direction of environmental specialists. Technicians might use remote sensors to monitor areas automatically. They report their findings to clients using charts and written documents. According to May 2011 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these technicians earn mean annual wages of $45,270. The lowest earning 10 percent earned $26,720 per year, while the highest-paid 10 percent received $69,820 per year.

Training

Pollution control techs need at least an associate’s degree before they can start earning a salary. Acceptable substitutes include two years of postsecondary education in a science-related field. However, lower-level positions might require only a high-school diploma. Postsecondary training is typically available in technical schools or community colleges for those wanting credits that transfer to bachelor’s degree programs. Whatever their background, pollution control techs also receive training on the job. Some states require them to have a license for specific types of environmental inspections. These credentials vary by location but usually mandate an education, work experience and passing an exam.

Employers

The biggest employers of pollution control technicians are management, scientific and technical consulting services, the BLS says. Almost a quarter of all techs worked in this sector, which provides environmental services to organizations that don't have any in-house. Mean annual salaries ran $44,730. Local government was the next biggest employer with 20 percent of the positions at a mean rate of $47,430 per year. The top mean wages, $66,670 per year, came from electric power generation, transmission and distribution companies.

Locations

The state with the most opportunities for pollution control technicians was California. It contained more than 11 percent of the jobs as of May 2011, with average annual wages at $52,510 per year. Illinois had the highest wages, averaging $60,830 per year. Boston was the metro area with the most positions, paying a mean $38,130 per year. Champaign, Illinois, showed the highest-paying employers with mean annual compensation at $113,660. In rural areas, West Kentucky topped the opportunity list with 150 jobs and mean salaries of $54,520 per year. Rural Nevada had the highest mean pay at $69,430 per year.

About the Author

Aurelio Locsin has been writing professionally since 1982. He published his first book in 1996 and is a frequent contributor to many online publications, specializing in consumer, business and technical topics. Locsin holds a Bachelor of Arts in scientific and technical communications from the University of Washington.